Audi’s Mexican plant nearing completion, will build the new Q5 in 2016

Audi has given Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto a sneak peek at a prototype for the 2017 Q5 during a visit to the company’s José Chiapa plant.

Currently nearing completion, the plant will begin producing the Q5 next year. Audi didn’t have much to say about the model but Peña “noted how well the production of Mexico’s first premium vehicle will reflect on the nation’s progress as a manufacturing power.”

Besides visiting the site, Peña opened 21 kilometers (13 miles) of highway that connects the plant with one of Mexico’s main transport arteries. Audi says the route connects to Mexico City and to Veracruz which is a city on the Gulf of Mexico and is a major port for shipments to Europe.

While Audi is still keeping tight-lipped about the redesigned crossover, it is slated to ride on the MLB Evo platform and feature styling inspired by the new Q7. Engine options will likely be shared with the 2016 A4, so expect a variety of familiar petrol and diesel options.